Receptacle for irrigating intestinal tract of colostomy patients



y 1953 s. c. SMITH ET AL 2,639,711

RECEPTACLE FOR IRRIGATING INTESTINAL TRACT OF COLOSTOMY PATIENTS Filed July 5, 1952 Grover C. Jm/f/i v [dw/n J. Fu//er' INVENTORJ ATTORNEY Patented May 26, 1953 RECEPTACLE FOR IRRIGATING INTESTINAL TRACT OF COLOSTOMY PATIENTS Grover C. Smith and Edwin S. Fuller, Houston, Tex.

Application July 5, 1952, Serial No. 297,218

3 Claims. 1

The invention concerns a receptacle for use in irrigating the intestinal tract of colostomy patients.

Colostomy involves the surgical removal of a portion of the colon, usually from 6 to 24 inches. An opening is made in the wall of the abdomen, usually on the left side, for the lower end of the colon, which is now shortened. In some instances it is advantageous to position this opening in the middle of the abdomen rather than on the side.

Colostomy patients no longer have normal bowel movements, and it is necessary to irrigate the intestinal tract periodically. Water is introduced into the new opening which has been formed in the abdomen, and the intestinal tract is flushed out. As now practiced this procedure is rather inconvenient. The patient leans over the toilet while manipulating the syringe, and thereafter, while evacuating the bowels. A short tube of relatively large diameter is usually provided for use in bridging the space between the opening in the abdomen and the toilet.

The invention contemplates a receptacle which may be strapped to the body of the patient, in position to receive the effluent from the intestinal tract, and having a discharge spout which is so disposed that it may be positioned between the legs of the patient when the patient is in a sitting position. Thus the patient has both hands free to manipulate the syringe, and the entire operation can be performed while seated on the toilet.

The invention will be readily understood by referring to the following description and the accompanying drawing, in which:

Fig. 1 is a diagrammatic view illustrating the method of using the device of the invention.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a receptacle embodying the invention.

Fig. 3 is a fragmentary view showing a modified form of the invention in which the discharge spout is located in the middle of the receptacle rather than at the side.

Referring to Figs. 1 and 2 of the drawing, a receptacle 1 is shown which is generally rectangular in shape and has a bottom 2, a front wall 3, a rear wall 4, a top wall 5, and a pair of side walls 5. The front wall 3 is substantially lower than the rear wall 4, and is curved to fit the body of the patient. The top wall 5 and the adjacent portions of the side walls 6 are cut away at the front, and the top wall 5 is curved upwardly from the rear wall 4 and the side walls 6. A discharge spout 1 extends downwardly from the right front corner of the receptacle. A pair of straps 8, which are secured at their ends to the side walls 6, are provided for use in securing the receptacle to the body of the patient.

The embodiment of the invention shown in Figs. 1 and 2 is intended for use in cases where the opening in the abdomen is on the left side.

Fig. 3 shows a modified form of the invention which is intended for use in cases where the opening is in the middle of the abdomen. In Fig. 3 the discharge spout 1 is positioned in the middle and at the front of the receptacle.

The invention may be modified in various ways without departing from the spirit and scope thereof.

We claim:

1. Means for irrigating the intestinal tract of colostomy patients comprising a receptacle having a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a pair of side walls, the front wall being substantially lower than the rear wall and being curved to fit the body of the patient, the top wall and the adjacent portions of the side walls being cut away at the front and the top wall being curved upwardly from the rear Wall and the side walls, a discharge spout extending downwardly from the receptacle and so disposed that it may be positioned between the legs of the patient when the patient is in a sitting position, and strap means for securing the receptacle to the body of the patient.

2. Means for irrigating the intestinal tract of colostomy patients comprising a receptacle having a bottom, a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall and a pair of side walls, the front wall being substantially lower than the rear wall and bein curved to fit the body of the patient, the top Wall and the adjacent portions of the side walls being cut away at the front and the top wall being curved upwardly from the rear wall and the side walls, a discharge spout extending downwardly from the right front corner of the receptacle, and strap means for securing the receptacle to the body of the patient.

3. Means for irrigating the intestinal tract of colostomy patients comprising a receptacle having a bottom, a front wall, a rear Wall, a top wall and a pair of side walls, the front wall being substantially lower than the rear wall and being curved to fit the body of the patient, the top wall and the adjacent portions of the side walls being cut away at the front and the top wall being curved upwardly from the rear wall and the side walls, a discharge spout extending downwardly from the middle and at the front of the receptacle, and strap means for securing the receptacle to the body of the patient.

GROVER C. SMITH. EDWIN S. FULLER.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 2,223,566 Koch Dec. 3, 1940 2,331,226 Pritchard Oct. 5, 1943 2,366,059 Schunk Dec. 26, 1944 68.857 Jacobs Sept. 25, 1951 

